Elton John, Billy Joel, Ben Folds all artists that spring to mind when you see Jack McManus behind his piano, banging out a tune. A true melody man with hook-laden songs and vivid lyrics that capture the imagination.But for this 23 year-old, Brit School-educated, Bromley boy, musical life didnt start behind a piano. It began while he was still in nappies, backstage at Pink Floyd gigs with his father who took care of the bands huge pyrotechnic display. Obviously taken with the idea of making a bang, Jacks first instrument of choice was a drumkit but by the time he reached the Brit School (via a detour as a tennis champion) he had moved on to the trumpet and was ready to join an orchestra.At the Brit School Jack was exposed to a world of new influences including R&B, soul and funk and while he continued to write all his melodies on a trumpet he found the piano a better medium to communicate his particular brand of piano pop to an audience. Jack brings all of this history and all of these influences to his debut album Either Side Of Midnight. An instantly-accessible, refreshingly up album, as evidenced by the joyous first single Bang On The Piano. Other highlights are the unashamedly beautiful Fine Time To Lose Your Mind with its echoes of the Eagles and Wichita Lineman, the glorious singalong You Think I Dont Care and the title track, which recalls the swoonsome pop of the Alessi Brothers.Jack has spent the better part of the last year on tour with bands including Scouting for Girls, Amy MacDonald and will hit the road with Sam Sparro early May.Jack McManus
Jack McManus Debut Album Either Side Of Midnight
Elton John, Billy Joel, Ben Folds all artists that spring to mind when you see Jack McManus behind his piano, banging out a tune. A true melody man with hook-laden songs and vivid lyrics that capture the imagination.But for this 23 year-old, Brit School-educated, Bromley boy, musical life didnt start behind a piano. It began while he was still in nappies, backstage at Pink Floyd gigs with his father who took care of the bands huge pyrotechnic display. Obviously taken with the idea of making a bang, Jacks first instrument of choice was a drumkit but by the time he reached the Brit School (via a detour as a tennis champion) he had moved on to the trumpet and was ready to join an orchestra.At the Brit School Jack was exposed to a world of new influences including R&B, soul and funk and while he continued to write all his melodies on a trumpet he found the piano a better medium to communicate his particular brand of piano pop to an audience. Jack brings all of this history and all of these influences to his debut album Either Side Of Midnight. An instantly-accessible, refreshingly up album, as evidenced by the joyous first single Bang On The Piano. Other highlights are the unashamedly beautiful Fine Time To Lose Your Mind with its echoes of the Eagles and Wichita Lineman, the glorious singalong You Think I Dont Care and the title track, which recalls the swoonsome pop of the Alessi Brothers.Jack has spent the better part of the last year on tour with bands including Scouting for Girls, Amy MacDonald and will hit the road with Sam Sparro early May.Jack McManus